Rep. Candice Miller the latest to endorse Hoekstra in Michigan Senate primary

Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) has rolled out a slew of endorsements for his Senate campaign this week, with the latest coming from Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.).

Hoekstra’s timed support comes ahead of an imminent announcement by Detroit Christian charter schools co-founder Clark Durant that he will join Hoekstra in the primary.

Hoekstra was endorsed by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, who beat him in the 2010 GOP gubernatorial primary, earlier this week. Former Gov. John Engler said Wednesday that he was “hopeful Clark decides he will stay with education and let Pete be the candidate,” although he stoppped short of a full endorsement, unlike Miller.

“I join with Governor Rick Snyder and thousands of grassroots supporters and activists from across the state of Michigan in asking you all to please help me in supporting Pete Hoekstra, who I am proud to endorse,” Miller said Wednesday. “He will be our next United States senator.”

Hoekstra starts as the front-runner in the race, and many Republicans in the state — and in Washington — hope he can avoid an expensive primary against Durant, whose fundraising network from the charter schools could make him a formidable candidate.

The nominee will take on two-term Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).